In cases of severely injured children, the disposition is usually evident and dictated by the nature of the injuries. After life-saving stabilization, admission or transfer to a pediatric intensive care unit is usually indicated. The more challenging cases involve discharging children home. Determination of whether the home is safe is important for the patient and other children in the household. Consultation with social workers and child protective services can be very helpful in making this determination. If the home is unsafe, admission to the hospital or placement in a foster home is often indicated until further investigation has been conducted by the child welfare authorities. Any infant or child with suspected abuse who is discharged home needs followup with child welfare, the primary care practitioner, and appropriate specialists. Follow-up for the entire family (siblings, the perpetrator, and other family members) is also indicated.

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